Planning changes will put more pressure on nature and landscapes in Sussex

CPRE Sussex welcomes ‘brownfield first’ approach and focus on social housing but says proposals will put more development pressure from unaffordable homes on the county.

A Sussex charity has responded to a series of planning reforms announced by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner earlier this week.

CPRE Sussex said it shared ambitions to tackle the affordable housing crisis, as well as the rapid transition to renewable energy to tackle the climate crisis.

It also welcomed the confirmation of a ‘brownfield first’ approach, recognition of the importance of housing for social rent, and acknowledgement that opportunities for growing housing are greatest in towns and cities

However, having examined the consultation documents, CPRE Sussex has raised serious concerns including:

• Without further changes, the plans will make little difference to housing affordability while more development pressure will threaten the countryside’s wildlife and tranquillity.
• Higher housing targets are being imposed on almost every council in Sussex.
• The focus should be on housing for social rent according to local need – but no new powers are being given to councils to lead on building themselves.
• The government does not appear to understand the unique challenges of rural affordable housing.
• Building still appears to be overwhelmingly left to big private companies whose biggest profits come from building ‘executive homes’ on greenfield sites in the south of England.

CPRE Sussex is calling for:

• Much greater involvement for councils in building social housing.
• A Land Use Framework to move away from a developer-led approach.
• Greater recognition of the value and rights of nature.
• Land value increases to be captured for the public everywhere.
• Golden rules to be applied to all greenfield areas.

Find out more about CPRE’s work on affordable housing here.

Have your say on the proposed changes to planning policy here.

Read full press release: Press release Planning Changes